Sizing a van around what you are moving
List the largest items with rough length, width and height, and give an estimate of total weight, because bulk and payload limit a van in different ways. Mention anything awkward, such as a wardrobe that cannot be dismantled or long timber. Describe loading at both ends, including stairs, lift access, distance from the kerb and whether anyone will help lift.
Fitting the van to your route
Start with the load, then choose the van. A small van works well for boxes, tools and light collections; medium and long-wheelbase vans suit furniture, stock and trade equipment; and a Luton is the better choice for bulkier items on a house move. Subject to dates, driver details and availability, the range includes the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit SWB, VW Transporter Automatic, Ford Transit MWB and Ford Transit LWB. Make, model, transmission, seats, payload and licence position are all confirmed at quote stage, so treat these vehicles as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Which rooms should you pack first?
Where should a household move begin? With a room-by-room inventory, written down before anything else. Note each item you plan to take, its rough dimensions and whether it comes apart, since a dismantled wardrobe records very differently from an assembled one. Add the hire dates you have in mind, including any flexibility either side, and keep the list somewhere everyone involved can see it. If storage forms part of the plan, record which items go there and which travel to the new address. When you contact the team for a quote, questions worth asking include whether the items on your list suit a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van, and what access details would be useful to note. An accurate inventory gives the conversation a clear starting point.
Who is free on the moving day?
Who is helping on the day, and when? Confirming helpers early prevents last-minute gaps. Write down each person's name, phone number and the hours they can commit, then share the planned schedule so everyone knows the sequence of rooms or addresses. If a friend is collecting furniture from a shop on your behalf, record the recipient contact details at each stop and any reference numbers attached to the order. Ask helpers to flag changes as soon as they arise rather than on the morning itself. It is also worth agreeing how you will communicate during the day, whether by group message or a quick call, and noting who holds spare keys or paperwork. These small records keep everyone working from the same plan.
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What to confirm on the phone
Before the hire is confirmed, go over the key points: whether the vehicle is available, the driver requirements, mileage, insurance, the delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for. Make sure payload, loading height, tail-lift needs, driver details, deposits and insurance excess are confirmed before you settle on a van size. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, a rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the passengers or load you expect and any special requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.